What are zero-width spaces and why do they cause bugs?

A zero-width space (U+200B) is an invisible character meant for line-break hints. When copied into programming code, SQL queries, URLs, or command lines, parsers treat them as illegal tokens, causing mysterious syntax errors.

What is a Byte Order Mark (BOM U+FEFF)?

A BOM is a Unicode signature placed at the start of a text file. If copied into JSON files, HTTP headers, or script files, it frequently triggers unexpected character errors.

Does this tool convert non-breaking spaces to standard spaces?

Yes. You can choose to replace non-breaking spaces (U+00A0) with standard ASCII space characters (U+0020) so they behave normally in code and text editors.

Can I choose which invisible characters to remove?

Yes. You can independently toggle removal for zero-width characters, non-breaking spaces, control characters, and soft hyphens.

Is my text sent to any server while inspecting?

No. All detection and cleansing logic is performed client-side in your web browser. No text leaves your device.

Invisible Character Detector & Cleaner

Detect, highlight, and remove zero-width spaces, hidden Unicode, and invisible characters.

100% free
Private in browser
No signup
No watermarks

Input Text / Code

3 Hidden Character(s) Detected

Removal Options

Detected Invisible Characters

Zero-Width Space

U+200B

Byte Order Mark (BOM)

U+FEFF

Non-Breaking Space (NBSP)

U+00A0

Cleaned & Sanitized Text

const greeting = "HelloWorld"; // Contains zero-width space
const price = "100 USD";       // Contains non-breaking space
const hiddenBOM = "Select * From Users"; // Starts with BOM (U+FEFF)

Rate this tool

Be the first to rate — helps others and improves this page.

About Invisible Character Detector & Cleaner

Ever copied code or database queries that mysteriously broke with invisible syntax errors? Hidden Unicode characters like Zero-Width Spaces (U+200B), Byte Order Marks (U+FEFF), and Non-Breaking Spaces (U+00A0) frequently slip into text copied from websites, PDFs, or messaging apps. The Invisible Character Cleaner on TheToolss visualizes exactly where these hidden ghosts lurk and purges them with one click. Clean, safe, private, and runs entirely in your browser.

How to use Invisible Character Detector & Cleaner

Paste your text, code, or query into the input box.
Review the count and types of detected invisible characters.
Toggle cleaning preferences and copy the sanitized text instantly.

Key features

Detects Zero-Width Spaces (U+200B), Joiners (U+200D), and Non-Joiners (U+200C)
Identifies Byte Order Marks (U+FEFF) that crash compilers and JSON parsers
Converts non-breaking spaces (U+00A0) into normal ASCII spaces
Removes soft hyphens and invisible bidirectional layout override markers
100% client-side sanitization — your passwords and sensitive code remain private

Frequently asked questions

What are zero-width spaces and why do they cause bugs?: A zero-width space (U+200B) is an invisible character meant for line-break hints. When copied into programming code, SQL queries, URLs, or command lines, parsers treat them as illegal tokens, causing mysterious syntax errors.
What is a Byte Order Mark (BOM U+FEFF)?: A BOM is a Unicode signature placed at the start of a text file. If copied into JSON files, HTTP headers, or script files, it frequently triggers unexpected character errors.
Does this tool convert non-breaking spaces to standard spaces?: Yes. You can choose to replace non-breaking spaces (U+00A0) with standard ASCII space characters (U+0020) so they behave normally in code and text editors.
Can I choose which invisible characters to remove?: Yes. You can independently toggle removal for zero-width characters, non-breaking spaces, control characters, and soft hyphens.
Is my text sent to any server while inspecting?: No. All detection and cleansing logic is performed client-side in your web browser. No text leaves your device.